Along with Brad Paisley, Keith Urban is one of the country artists allegedly being considered for a position as a judge on American Idol. And perhaps he’s inching closer to such an occupation, as now news has arrived that he has officially left his season one coaching position on another television music contest, Australia’s version of The Voice.

The reason he gave for leaving was his upcoming next album, tour, and what he termed “other commitments.”

“I’ve been so fortunate to have been a part of The Voice,” he said in a statement published on The Voice Australia’s website, “and as much as I’d love to do it again, it’s clear that the recording and promoting of a new album, a tour, and other commitments will keep me from being a part of the second season.”

Keith is in the midst of recording a new album, and even tweeted a photo of himself in the studio earlier this week.

Starting out another week in the studio!! instagr.am/p/PZqmqdOcYW/

— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) September 10, 2012

But it’s that tease about “other commitments” that is leading Urban and Idol fans on most of all. And while at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame last week, Keith even confirmed to a group of inquisitive students an Idol position is very much on his radar.

“I would love to do it and hopefully that happens,” he told the students. “I did get to do a similar role in Australia for ‘The Voice,’ and I really enjoyed it. The thing about those shows is that mentoring aspect… it’s about passing it on.”

American Idol returns for a 12th season this coming January, with a new lineup at the judging table.

- Kurt Wolff, CBS Local